Giving machines a second life

Turning old into new: The purchase of a used MILLTURN complete machining centre offers cost-efficiency and fast availability.

WFL's second-hand machines are proof of this – even after several years of use, they demonstrate a very high level of competitiveness. Like with the new machines, WFL offers unique options with regard to quality and customer care.

A MILLTURN from WFL is always a product for the highest quality demands. Even in the case of used machines, we ensure that our systems are in top condition before they are delivered to the customer. Depending on the customer's needs, WFL offers a complete concept with consultation, technology support, commissioning & training for used machinery. A separate organisational unit has even been set up specifically for second-hand machines. A Premium Pre-Owned MILLTURN can prove to be an attractive alternative, especially when additional capacities are needed at short notice or the budget will not stretch to cover a new machine.

Everything from a single source

Decades of dedicated use of a MILLTURN lead to machine and equipment wear and therefore to loss of relative performance. Regular upgrades and services significantly reduce this effect. If wearing parts are replaced, the machine continues to deliver top quality and retains its longevity.

With the WFL complete offer, highly qualified technicians ensure that the best possible results are always achieved with the MILLTURN and that all technical and software aspects of the machine are brought right up to date. A big advantage of a machine overhaul is the cost factor, which is about 40-70% less than purchasing a new machine. WFL is also very flexible when it comes to commercial offers: the machine can also be leased.

Tested quality

A retrofit project at WFL is precisely defined. When a used machine is sold to WFL, the WFL project team will contact the customer and clarify the initial situation. The machine inspection is carried out by a highly qualified WFL technician, who puts the machine through its paces so that the amount of work required can be estimated. After the quote has been prepared, negotiations completed and the contract drafted, a date for dismantling the machine is set. If the customer has in the meantime continued to work with the machine, the machine is checked again immediately before disassembly. Further steps such as internal transport, packaging and transport to WFL are carried out by the company's own personnel.

The machine overhaul also includes assembly, repair, paint preparation, various upgrades, commissioning, geometry check, machine check, endurance test, laser measurement and processing of a VDI workpiece for machine acceptance. The MILLTURNs are only offered for sale once they have been approved by the WFL technicians. Once all checks have been passed, the machine receives a "CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED" certificate. This means that the machines can even be sold with a warranty.

Sustainability first

The fact that old machines are reconditioned and thus kept in a production-ready condition longer makes a retrofit from WFL astonishingly "green". According to the German Steel Institute VDEh, approx. 1.34 metric tonnes of CO2 are emitted1per metric tonne of crude steel. The value for a Premium Pre-Owned machine is just a fraction of this figure: a retrofit can reduce CO2 emissions by at least 80-90%. For a M65 MILLTURN / 3000 mm weighing approx. 34,000 kg (mainly consisting of steel or steel-like components), approx. 45,560 kg of CO2 can be emitted. In the case of a retrofit, CO2 emissions fall to approximately 6800-13,600 kg, forcefully highlighting the economic viability of such a project.

The use of modern components and features, such as new lighting (Ergonomic Light Concept), an expanded tool magazine or the automation of certain functions also contribute to greater sustainability and efficiency. Even manufacturers are showing a great deal of interest here. In appropriate cases the electrical components of the machine can also be replaced, an area which WFL will be strongly promoting in the future. As part of a pilot project, for example, the entire control system of a machine built in 1998 is being replaced; an approach which should increase the longevity of the machines. This involves replacing the motors as well as mechanical adaptations such as sliding door positioning by means of a toothed rack or improved positioning of the tool changer (toothed rack instead of toothed belt). The new control system has a larger 24-inch display compared to the previous 15-inch version and a 1 GB NC memory (replacing the earlier 12 MB NC memory). The main advantages of upgrading the control system are the availability of the MillturnPRO programming editor and the iControl intelligent process monitoring system. Fastviewer can also be run more conveniently on the new control system.

Exclusive know-how for the customer

Our training options cover all requirements for programmers, machine operators and service technicians. Ongoing training not only guarantees maximum productivity on the production line, but it also increases staff motivation and makes it easier to respond to new production tasks. WFL imparts the best possible knowledge and experience in a wide range of training courses, either directly at our own premises or, if desired, at the customer's factory.

Modular designs - according to customer requirements

What is more, customers of WFL can even purchase customised second-hand machines. From overhauls and conversions to additional technological features, everything is possible. With WFL production support, customer-specific workpieces can also be processed.

The greater focus on second-hand machines in the last two years clearly shows that there is a great deal of interest on the market. WFL always keeps a number of high-quality used machines in stock, with the majority being sold to global corporations in Germany, Sweden or the USA. These machines have already been running perfectly for several years since their retrofit.

So why should a customer buy a used machine? Cost efficiency and fast availability are clear arguments in favour of a second-hand solution. If WFL has a suitable machine in stock, it can usually be delivered within three months.

"For machines that are being retrofitted, for example, we can replace the main components such as the turning-boring-milling unit, linear guide ways, main drive or the tool changer to improve the overall condition of the machine. My colleagues and I have a great deal of experience here and are delighted to see the machine being delivered in top condition for many more productive years of operation." Jürgen Bauer, WFL Retro-fit Solutions